Acts - Week 76

Week 76 Acts 24, 25 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 24:22-23 

22 At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.” 23 He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs. 

Notice how “the Way” is used in referring to salvation. This appears only in Acts (see:19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Governor Felix was familiar with this way of salvation but he adjourned the hearing without a decision. He ordered an officer in charge of 100 men to keep Paul in custody but give him some freedom. He was to allow Paul to be visited by friends to care for his needs.  

REFLECT 

Marvel at the way God cared for Paul in these difficult circumstances. He allowed Paul to have visitors to provide his needs. God was at work for Paul in these difficult times. 

RESPOND 

Talk with your disciple about how God gives believers opportunities for witness. He gave Paul that privilege in prison; He can do that for others. Also, believers with medical needs can witness to those in that profession who might not be reached any other way. Pray about these occasions. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 24:24-26 

24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 

Perhaps it was through his Jewish wife that Felix learned about the way of salvation. Secular history records this couple was known for their ungodly lifestyles. In spite of this, Paul “reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment.” Felix was frightened by Paul’s message and sent him away. Felix was hoping for a bribe, which motivated him to talk with Paul often.  

REFLECT 

Think about the false motive of Felix that gave Paul more opportunities to witness to him about the way of salvation. God can use any situation to get a wider hearing for the gospel. 

RESPOND 

You and your disciple need to talk about difficult times that allow for a greater outreach of the gospel. Begin with the example of the Covid-19 virus that caused severe limitations and many deaths in much of the world and yet allowed for a furtherance of the gospel.  

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 24:27 

27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison. 

Governor Felix must have been convinced Paul was innocent, but he was not convinced to put his trust in Jesus, the Way of salvation. He had listened to Paul often during the two years—not because he was interested in the gospel but because he thought it would help get him a bribe. His reason for leaving Paul in prison was not because he thought he was guilty but to gain favor with the Jewish people.  

REFLECT 

Think of all the times Governor Felix must have heard the gospel from the apostle Paul, and yet there is no biblical evidence he trusted in Jesus as Savior. So many put off a decision for Christ, but it can be eternally too late if they are suddenly snapped into eternity.  

RESPOND 

Never apologize about those to whom you witnessed not coming to Christ. Apparently even the apostle Paul could not persuade Governor Felix to do so after two years. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “now is the day of salvation.” Warn others not to put off the decision.  

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 25:1-3 

1 Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2 where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. 3 They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). 

The new governor comes to Caesarea where Paul is. Three days later he leaves for Jerusalem. Again, the unbelieving Jews accused Paul and wanted him transferred to Jerusalem so they could kill him on the way. Unbelievers seem never to give up in their hate for some who are proclaiming the gospel. The more effective a believer is, the more opposition can be expected. What would Festus do now? 

REFLECT  

Have you experienced opposition as it seems God is working in a person’s life who is considering trusting in Jesus for salvation? You need to remember at the heart of the problem is spiritual warfare. 

RESPOND 

With your disciple, read 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 and Ephesians 6:10-13 to be reminded of the spiritual warfare in which believers are engaged. 

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 25:4-5 

4 But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. 5 So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.” 

Festus invited anyone in authority who had something against Paul to come to Caesarea with him. There they would be free to make their accusations against Paul. Would any of them come? What charges would they make? Sometimes those who express opposition do not confront when the opportunity is given to do so.  

REFLECT 

What has been your experience when those who talk the loudest have little to say when they have to personally confront someone? There are those who will deny something when under oath but then will say something else when they are not.  

RESPOND 

Read Ephesians 4:14-16 to see how Paul sought to answer when confronted with false teaching. Urge your disciple to model this also. May others see Christ in your lives. Sometimes the manner in which you answer is as important as the answer itself.